Let’s back up. The Erkaya brothers—Ahmet and Mehmet—aren’t your average restaurateurs. Raised in the restaurant biz (hello, Mandolin Aegean Bistro), they know a thing or two about hospitality. But it was a trip north to New York where hey fell hard for a little spot in Brooklyn called Ensenada. Think fresh, vibrant, seafood-forward Mexican flavors with just enough edge to keep it cool. Inspired and insatiable, they brought the concept south, giving Miami something it didn’t know it needed—a mariscos y mezcal stunner tucked into the retro-chic Vagabond Hotel.
Let’s be honest—Miami was made for a restaurant like this. When you sit down at Ensenada, it just feels right. Now let’s dish on what to order. Start with the Tostada de Atun—thinly sliced, glistening tuna laid delicately over a crisp tortilla, kissed with salsa macha, avocado crema, and a citrus punch that says, ¡hola! in every bite. It’s playful, balanced, and gone before you know it. Then there’s the Steak Quesadilla with queso Oaxaca and salsa verde cruda. Smoky, creamy, with charred edges that melt into the pillowy tortillas. Craving comfort? Go for the Caldo De Camarones with chile guajillo that’ll fix any lingering hangover (no judgement).
Seafood reigns supreme here—think Pescado Del Dia “Al Pibil” in a spicy tomato broth, Aguachile that sings with serrano, and Daily Fish Tacos that are anything but basic. Wash it all down with a smoky Blood Orange Paloma or a frosty Monopolio and you’ve basically booked yourself a one-way ticket to Baja. And dessert… save room for the Cinnamon Churros with a side of Mexican chocolate for dipping AND the Carajillo Affogato with corn ice cream and cancha.
What makes Ensenada so special is that it doesn’t feel like a trend or a transplant—it feels like it belongs. The Vagabond Hotel’s art deco bones play well with Ensenada’s relaxed coastal spirit. It’s part nostalgia, part modern. And just when we thought we couldn’t love it more—they dropped a killer happy hour (get the Fried Little Fish with szechuan pepper, trust) and launched brunch. Let’s just say I can’t wait to go back to see what the morning menu has in store.
